textproduct: Rapid City

KEY MESSAGES

-Winter storm continues to impact the region

-Unsettled westerly flow will then persist through next week with fluctuating temperatures

DISCUSSION

(This Afternoon Through Thursday) Issued at 1008 AM MDT Fri Apr 3 2026

Dominant northern stream flow expected through the period with embedded stronger upper troughs at times. Deep upper trough progressing through the region today with a well defined trowal and associated FGEN snow band. Clear slot is advecting across the far southern FA with some sun and warmer temps there. This area will eventually fill in as the system shifts east and moisture wraps back into the area. Snow amounts are generally on track, with the southern end of the headlines area seeing the most uncertainty. However some areas have over performed like southern Meade and Haakon Counties thanks to the initial band this morning along the theta-e ridge, where precip transitioned to snow faster. Once winds turn NW this afternoon and upslope enhancement ensues, the northern Hills and foothills are still expected to receive a good period of snow. Further south from Rapid City to Wall, snow amounts are the most uncertain given the sharp cutoff of the deformation band with heavier amounts expected to the north. System will quickly progress through the region tonight with snow ending west to east. Breezy NW winds will support some blowing snow this evening and overnight, esp across western SD. Things dry out and warm back up quickly Sat and Sun as shortwave ridging commences, with highs in the 40s and 50s both days, coolest over the deeper snow pack. Backdoor cold front will slide into the area Monday, cooling things down a bit before a clipper system supports much warm weather by Tues as highs will reach the 50s and 60s, with a few 70s possible over SW SD under a staunch WAA belt. Active northern stream will persist the rest of next week with chances for precip at times, fluctuating temps, and another stronger cold front in the Thur period.

AVIATION

(For the 00Z TAFS Through 00Z Saturday Evening) Issued At 451 PM MDT Fri Apr 3 2026

MVFR/IFR conditions with transient LIFR conditions will persist through tonight. Precipitation will slowly taper off from west to east after 04/06z. Low clouds will linger in the area through the morning with most areas improving to VFR by 04/18z, though MVFR/IFR CIGs may linger across northwestern SD through the afternoon.

Northwesterly winds will diminish overnight before becoming breezy again tomorrow. Gusts of 25-30kt possible over southwestern SD, in the vicinity of the KRAP terminal, and across south central SD.

UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

SD...Winter Storm Warning until 3 AM MDT Saturday for SDZ001-002- 012>014-073-078. Winter Weather Advisory until midnight MDT tonight for SDZ024- 025. Winter Weather Advisory until 3 AM MDT Saturday for SDZ031-032- 072. WY...Winter Weather Advisory until midnight MDT tonight for WYZ054>057-060.